BURLINGTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A New Jersey community on Saturday paid tribute to a crossing guard who died last Friday after he was hit by a car.
Burlington’s holiday parade on Saturday served as a memorial for 74-year-old Bruce Morlack, who was working as the crossing guard at Jacksonville Road and James Street on Friday morning, when he was hit by a car and killed.
“There’s no other way to put it: He’s a hero, absolutely,” a man told KYW news partners at NBC10 at Burlington’s holiday parade Saturday evening. “Literally to risk his life for those kids.”
Burlington residents who attended the parade told NBC10 they have only fond memories of Morlack.
“He was always smiling. He was very happy. You could tell he enjoyed his job and what he did for the community,” said one.
“He looked forward to that every day, making sure those children got to school safely.”
A memorial now sits at the intersection where Morlack protected children making their way to school.
“The residents and the school staff, they all loved him. He was a dedicated employee, always out there. It just shows the danger of being a crossing guard at these intersections in our community.”
During that holiday parade, officials took time for a moment of silence to honor Morlack.
The driver believed to be responsible for hitting and killing Morlack stayed on the scene and is said to be cooperating with police.